Unveiling of Secrets (Kashf al-Asrar)

The Unveiling of Secrets (Kashf al-Asrar) is the visionary autobiography of one of the most significant mystics of twelfth-century Iran, Ruzbihan al-Baqli (522/1128-606/1209). Written in Arabic, it describes the life of the author primarily as comprised of his mystical visions. Ruzbihan depicts himself in the unseen world (?alam al-ghayb) in the company of God, saints, prophets, and angels. His self-portrait in this manner communicates his special status with God. The sublime quality of these visions is well captured in the style of Kashf al-Asrar: the writing is simultaneously simple and clear, but eloquent and rich with extraordinary images. This is the first critical edition of the manuscipt of Kashf al-Asrar which provides an intriguing case in the genre of Islamic autobiographies.